Dozens Dead as Category 5 Storm Ravages Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba
Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful Atlantic storms on record, left a trail of death and destruction across Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba this week. The storm, which made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday as a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane with sustained winds of 185 mph (295 kph), has claimed at least 40 lives in Haiti and caused extensive damage across the Caribbean.
In Jamaica, homes were left roofless, roads impassable, and entire towns submerged. A landslide in Santa Cruz blocked major roads, while thousands of residents in St. Elizabeth Parish struggled to recover soaked belongings from flooded houses. “I never see anything like this before in all my years living here,” said resident Jennifer Small.
Authorities reported that more than 25,000 people were sheltering in government facilities, and 77% of the island was without electricity. “Recovery will take time, but the government is fully mobilized,” said Prime Minister Andrew Holness, noting that relief supplies were being prepared for affected regions.
Haiti Suffers Heavy Losses Amid Flooding and Collapses
Haiti’s Civil Protection Agency confirmed that at least 40 people died, with 20 fatalities in the southern town of Petit-Goâve alone. Flooding collapsed dozens of homes, and 10 people remain missing. The mayor described the situation as “catastrophic,” warning that the death toll could rise as rescue operations continue in hard-hit areas.
The humanitarian crisis in Haiti deepened as communication lines and roads were destroyed. Local officials urged international aid agencies to assist with evacuations and emergency shelter for displaced families.
Cuba Faces Widespread Damage and Economic Strain
Melissa weakened to a Category 3 hurricane as it reached Cuba early Wednesday, but its impact was still severe. The storm tore through Santiago de Cuba and surrounding provinces, destroying homes, uprooting trees, and toppling power lines. Approximately 735,000 Cubans remained in shelters, officials said.
“It was hell. All night long, it was terrible,” said resident Reinaldo Charon. President Miguel Díaz-Canel vowed to begin recovery efforts “as soon as conditions allow,” acknowledging that the storm would further strain Cuba’s already fragile economy, which is suffering from fuel shortages, food scarcity, and prolonged blackouts.
Cuba’s National Institute of Hydraulic Resources reported rainfall totals of up to 15 inches (38 cm) in some areas, causing extensive flooding. The Juan Bruno Zayas Clinical Hospital in Santiago de Cuba sustained severe damage, with collapsed walls and shattered glass across multiple floors.
International Response and Ongoing Relief Efforts
The United States has deployed rescue and recovery teams to assist in Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said U.S. agencies are coordinating with regional governments to deliver emergency aid and restore communication networks.
In Jamaica’s coastal town of Black River, Mayor Richard Solomon described the destruction as “beyond catastrophic,” noting that hospitals, police stations, and relief centers were flooded and unable to operate. In southwest Jamaica, 84-year-old David Muschette sat beside the remains of his roofless home, saying, “I lost everything… I need help.”
Melissa is now moving northeast toward the Bahamas with sustained winds of 100 mph (155 kph). The U.S. National Hurricane Center warned that storm surges up to seven feet could occur as the system grows in size and intensity before passing near Bermuda late Thursday.
Recovery Challenges Ahead
The scale of Hurricane Melissa’s destruction has left much of the Caribbean reeling. With widespread power outages, destroyed infrastructure, and thousands homeless, governments face immense logistical and financial hurdles to restore basic services.
As residents across the region sift through the wreckage, the shared sentiment remains one of resilience. “Life is what matters,” said Cuban fisherman Alexis Ramos as he assessed the ruins of his home. “Repairing this costs money, a lot of money — but we will rebuild.”